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Man dies after being hit by train in Co Kildare

Irish Rail believes passenger was attempting to pick up item dropped on tracks

Sun, Mar 2, 2014, 14:20Updated: Sun, Mar 2, 2014, 19:20

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding a man’s death at Sallins train station this morning.

A man has died after being hit by a train in Sallins Station in Co Kildare this morning.

The 10am Heuston to Cork train struck the man, fatally injuring him.

It is believed the man, thought to be in his 50s, dropped something on the tracks minutes before he was hit.

“The man man in question appeared to go onto the track, possibly to retrieve an item, and was attempting to get back up onto the platform when the train passed through the station,” Irish Rail spokesman Barry Kenny told RTE News.

“Our driver hit the emergency brake, but with the speed that intercity trains go at, it was impossible for the train to stop in time.”

He was declared dead at the scene.

Train services between Hazelhatch and Newbridge were halted for a time this morning, and there were signficant delays to all services to and from Heuston Station this afternoon.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, which is being described as a “tragic accident”.